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| Hi there! Adriana Noir here with another issue of the Drama Newsletter. This week we’ll be discussing a topic that has long baffled me as a writer: Literary fiction vs. regular fiction. |
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Literary fiction is a term I’ve stumbled across many times as a writer. Peruse any agent blog or article about writing and, somewhere, you will come across this term. But what is it, and how does it differ from anything else?
Literary fiction is a unique style of writing and is frequently considered to be its own genre. Because of this, it doesn’t fall under any certain category, but its most often found in stories with a dramatic edge. This term originated sometime in the 1960s as a way to separate serious fiction, or work with literary merit, from popular genre fiction or para-literature. It’s defined by having artistic flair and a focus centered on visual writing. In essence, the writing and wording is geared toward beauty. It’s often heavy on description and the story becomes an art form all in itself.
Literary fiction is the type eligible for literary awards like The Booker, the Pulitzer, and the Nobel Book Prize. It’s found in magazines most often associated with universities and anthologies like The Pushcart Prize and the O. Henry awards. The intention is to draw you in with rich language, vivid imagery, character insight and immersion in the setting.
Some recent books listed in this category are Attonement, Lovely Bones, A Thousand Acres, and The Poisonwood Bible. Looking back, War and Peace is probably a well-known story that would fit into this classification as well.
Reading through the intentions, it would seem all writers would aspire to be “literary” ones. But this isn’t the case. Many authors are highly successful and wildly popular without so much as dipping a big toe into the “literary” waters. Take the Stephen Kings, Danielle Steeles, Mary Higgans Clarks, and John Clancys of the world, just to name a few.
As writers, we all strive for our own vision of perfection and this varies as widely as the reader’s interpretation of it. Our goals and ambitions, our visions of where we would like to see our stories go, also differ. Some are happy just to share here, some want to top best-sellers lists, and some writers covet that elusive Nobel with a vengeance. Some of us would be thrilled just to have our name in print and a paycheck in hand, no matter how small.
So what is the difference? Literary fiction will get you a shot at a Nobel or Pulitzer. Regular ol’ plain fiction will earn you a shot to entertain and thrill the masses. Before she retired, it would have earned you a chance to earn pretty through Oprah’s Book Club.  Either way, it’s important to assess what you want and know how to get it. If you’d be happy without a Nobel, there’s no reason to rip your hair out and agonize over every single word, making sure each one is pure literary perfection until you are writing at the pace of a snail whose butt has been coated in molasses.  You just need to write, and write well. Know your goals, and try not to stress too much about your audience. Literary lovers will find the literary gems. Lovers of popular fiction will gobble up great stories and then recommend them to their friends.
For every story created, there’s an audience waiting to find it. We just need to write it.
~Best wishes and happy writing!~ 
Adriana Noir
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Ms.Pee 
hi my question is how do i find good character names for my book? because i have few names but right now i am stumped!
Hi there!  Excellent question. This is something a lot of writers struggle with. Baby name books or sites are an excellent source of information for this. Personally, I like the sites because you can search by region and time eras. The alphabetical listing sure does make things convenient if you have a certain letter or sound in mind too. Another great way to find names is to keep an eye on credits be they listed on the back of CDs or at the end of movies. Even sites such as this one or local newspapers can provide great inspiration.
Shaara 
Thanks for the insights. I loved your retelling of that movie. What a novel eye from which to see.
You are truly right that we authors must utilize the skill your mother was describing -- we empathize.
Thank you so very much! I really appreciate the support and I’m sure my mother would be thrilled to hear she was right yet again. *laughs* She always is!
Coolhand
Great advice on point of view, Adriana. The movie sounded very interesting. Of course, I'm of the opinion, you could make paint drying sound interesting.
 Thank you, Coolhand! I do think you give me a wee bit too much credit though! Thanks for the input and the huge pick-me-up!
Joy 
Excellent newsletter, Adriana. 
The view is always different in another character's eyes, and The boy in Striped Pajamas is a great example for that. Thanks.
Thank you , Joy! I read a fantastic article in Writer’s Digest this week that discussed how much POV can alter a story and how important it is to choose the right one for the side of the story you want to tell. I never really thought how much it can change what is being presented.
Shannon 
I saw The Boy in the Striped Pajamas about six months ago, and you're right ... it's brilliant and devastating. Excellent NL, Adriana.
Thank you, thank you! Definitely a film worth seeing but not without a ready supply of tissues on hand.
Sanchez
If one dwells too much in the past, one will not be able to move forward. I have regrets but I never let them interfere with my life.
I have felt strong hatred, fear, anger, depression, worthlessness and pain, but I do not let these feelings control me, instead I control them. I truly believe that uncertainty, fear and doubt, are the voice of reason. Why, one may ask? Because I use reason as a means to motivate myself to be a better person and writer.
Great outlook, Sanchez! I’m a firm believer that personal experience and emotion is the greatest resource we have as writers. Well, that and WDC of course!
StephBee - House Targaryen 
Adriana, thanks so much for bringing this up. Different points of views can really heighten the emotional involvement. Your example about Bruno was a poignant reminder of that. It's a good way to challenge ourselves as writers to take the next step. Two 
Smiles
Thank you, Steph! I couldn’t agree more, and looking around, I’d say the good majority of us love a challenge!
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Drama: February 24, 2010 Issue [#3572]
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